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Prairie du Chien's new disc golf course ready to open

Submitted by admin on Wed, 06/26/2013 - 14:17

The baskets and tee boxes have been installed and the new disc golf course is ready for action.

Prairie du Chien’s new 18-hole disc golf course will be officially opened and dedicated on Wednesday, June 26 at 5 p.m. The course is located on St. Feriole Island. A rain date has been set for Thursday, June 27.

“We are always looking for ideas to improve the Island, and make it more appealing to everyone,” said Mike Ulrich, Prairie du Chien’s Park and Recreation Director. “When I was approached by Dave Wesener, representing the Rotary Club, the disc golf course seemed to be a natural fit, and I believe we are going to see considerable usage. Disc rentals are available at City Hall for just $1. We look forward to hosting tournaments throughout the year, and those interested in being part of an evening league should contact me at 326-7207.”

The course was part of the Council-approved Five-Year Outdoor Recreation Plan. In February, the Common Council recommended accepting the request by the Prairie du Chien Rotary Club to build the course. The club paid for the installation of the course, which is located north of St. Feriole Island Ballpark and west of St. Feriole Island Gardens.

“Our club was looking for a local project that we could complete in relatively short order, yet have lasting benefits for the community,” said Wesener. “A disc golf course filled our requirements of being something for all ages, promoting good healthy activities, and adding something to the area which did not currently exist. As the project became a reality, we faced no roadblocks or bumps in the road which we were not able to solve either through the help of the Park Board, City Council, the mayor, city staff and those groups already using the island. I believe that is what made the project fun to work on for our club members but also for six volunteer inmates from the local prison. We also appreciate Spahn and Rose Lumber Company, Prairie Ready Mix and Cabela’s for working with us on the supplies for the project.”

“This was an excellent opportunity for our club to come together with the city of Prairie du Chien to make this project happen,” said Prairie du Chien Rotary Club President Michael Higgins. “It wouldn’t have been possible without all the wonderful work that Dave mentioned, as well as the joint funding that we received from our Rotary District. Our local club raised half the funds for the project and we were successful in getting a matching grant to complete the project. I look forward to joining our friends, neighbors and visitors for a round of golf down on the island.”

“Between the disc golf course, the gardens, the ballpark, the river wall, Villa Louis, and the natural beauty all around that area, St. Feriole Island is certainly a unique attraction for the city of Prairie du Chien,” said City Administrator Aaron Kramer. “And we are certainly not done, by any means, at exploring different projects and proposals to make the island even more of a destination for residents and visitors alike.”